Aug. 9, 2012

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MILWAUKEE - With Fan Fest as the backdrop, local community members had a chance to meet the 2012 Marquette University men's and women's soccer teams Thursday while coaches from both sides got the opportunity to see their respective players in action against competition for the first time this season.

A number of dedicated Marquette Soccer fans arrived early and braved the raindrops, with others came later once the clouds cleared. Everyone in attendance at Valley Fields was treated free food from Qdoba and there were interactive soccer stations, player autographs and fun for all.

Marquette 1, Wisconsin 0
The Marquette University women's soccer team defeated Wisconsin 1-0 in exhibition action to conclude the Fan Fest festivities Thursday night.

The Golden Eagles controlled possession a majority of the night, battling through the water-logged conditions at Valley Fields during a trio of 25-minute periods.  After just missing on numerous scoring chances, MU finally broke through midway through the final period.  Senior Megan Jaskowiak served a perfectly-placed corner kick into the middle of the box and classmate Ally Miller was able to loft a header over the outstretched arms of the helpless Badger keeper.

Blue 0, Gold 0
The rain subsided around halftime of the men's soccer team's annual Blue vs. Gold match, which ended in a scoreless draw after two 25-minute halves on the soggy artificial turf at Valley Fields.

Sophomore goalkeeper Charlie Lyon had the save of the match when he denied senior winger Anthony Selvaggiin the 30th minute. Selvaggi had a one-on-one opportunity for the Blue team, but his shot from just outside the eight-yard box was deflected by Lyon.

Despite Blue's heavy possession in the first half, the Gold side (which wore white kits) had some late chances, including four corner kicks in the last five minutes of the match, but they could not capitalize.

Perhaps the Gold team's best chance came in the 45th minute when rookie James Routledge's corner kick service was punched out by freshman keeper Brady Walsh, who entered the game at halftime for classmate Mac Wheeler. Fellow freshman Trey Dowlingheaded a corner kick in the 47th minute that was also saved by Walsh.

Blue starting XI: Wheeler (GK), Dillon, Sjoberg, Mau, Holowaty, E. Pothast, Robb, Ciesiulka, Jansson, Selvaggi, Islami. (Subs: Walsh; Did not play: Krynski, Nortey)

Gold (White) starting XI: Lyon (GK), Hermsen, J. Pothast, Rohde, Schulz, Hoover, Lysak, Routledge, Schillinger, Dowling Huftalin (Subs: Behm)